Genesis 17:21
Genesis 17:21 in Multiple Translations
But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.”
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
But my agreement will be with Isaac, to whom Sarah will give birth a year from this time.
But it's with Isaac that I will keep my agreement, the son Sarah will give birth to about this time next year.”
But my couenant will I establish with Izhak, which Sarah shall beare vnto thee, the next yeere at this season.
and My covenant I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah doth bear to thee at this appointed time in the next year;'
But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year.”
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to thee at this set time in the next year.
But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sara shall bring forth to thee at this time in the next year.
But Isaac, the son whom Sarah will give birth to at this time next year, is the one with whom I will establish my agreement.”
But my agreement will not be with Ishmael. You see, about this time next year, your wife Sarah will have a baby boy. He will be your son, and you will call him Isaac, and I will make the same agreement with him that I just made with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 17:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
בְּרִיתִ֖/י
אָקִ֣ים
אֶת
יִצְחָ֑ק
אֲשֶׁר֩
תֵּלֵ֨ד
לְ/ךָ֤
שָׂרָה֙
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֣ד
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֖ה
הָ/אַחֶֽרֶת
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בְּרִיתִ֖/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
אָקִ֣ים
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יִצְחָ֑ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תֵּלֵ֨ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ/ךָ֤
Prep | Suff
שָׂרָה֙
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֣ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
הָ/אַחֶֽרֶת
ʼachêr
H312
another
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:21
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּרִיתִ֖/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אָקִ֣ים
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יִצְחָ֑ק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תֵּלֵ֨ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לְ/ךָ֤
""
Prep | Suff
שָׂרָה֙
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
N-proper
Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֣ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הָ/אַחֶֽרֶת
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Art | Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
- Sermons on Genesis 17:21
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
19But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
20As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
21But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.”
22When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. 23On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:2–3 | So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. |
| 2 | Genesis 26:2–5 | The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” |
| 3 | Galatians 3:29 | And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. |
| 4 | Genesis 18:10 | Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. |
| 5 | Romans 9:5–6 | Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen. It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. |
| 6 | Romans 9:9 | For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” |
| 7 | Luke 1:72 | to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, |
| 8 | Luke 1:55 | as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” |
| 9 | Exodus 3:6 | Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 10 | Genesis 46:1 | So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. |
Genesis 17:21 Summary
This verse is a promise from God to Abraham that He will establish a special covenant with Isaac, who will be born to Sarah in a year. This means that God is making a commitment to be Isaac's God and to bless him and his descendants. Just like God kept His promise to Abraham, He will also keep His promises to us, if we trust and wait on Him, as seen in Genesis 21:1-2 and Psalm 138:8. By trusting in God's plan and timing, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God choose Isaac to establish His covenant with, instead of Ishmael?
God chose Isaac because He had a specific plan for him, as stated in Genesis 17:19, to establish an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants, while Ishmael would also be blessed and become a great nation, as seen in Genesis 17:20.
What does it mean for God to establish a covenant with someone?
A covenant is a solemn promise or agreement between God and His people, as seen in Genesis 15:18, where God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to be his God and the God of his descendants.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Abraham and his family?
This verse is a key part of the story of Abraham, as it shows how God is fulfilling His promise to Abraham, made in Genesis 12:2-3, to make him the father of a great nation, and how Isaac will play a crucial role in that promise.
What can we learn from God's timing in this verse, promising Isaac's birth in a year?
God's timing is perfect, and His promises are always fulfilled in His time, not ours, as seen in Genesis 21:1-2, where Isaac is indeed born to Sarah and Abraham at the appointed time.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can I apply that to my own life?
- How does the distinction between Ishmael and Isaac in this verse relate to the idea of God's sovereign choice, as seen in Romans 9:10-13?
- In what ways can I trust God's plan and timing in my own life, even when it seems uncertain or unclear, just like Abraham had to trust God's promise of a son?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of waiting on God and trusting in His goodness, as expressed in Psalm 27:14?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:21
But my covenant will one establish with Isaac,.... The covenant of circumcision; for though Ishmael was circumcised, and his posterity practised that rite, yet it was not enjoined them of God; nor
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:21
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
The covenant of the promised Seed to come out of his loins, and of life and salvation to accrue to himself and to his posterity by virtue of that Seed; in comparison whereof God speaks slightly of all the temporal blessings conferred upon Ishmael, though in themselves they were great and glorious. By which it may sufficiently appear that Abraham’ s faith, whereby he is said to be justified, , had a further reach in it than to his own immediate child, even to the Messias, whose day therefore Abraham is said to have seen, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
Genesis 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.Ver. 21. But my covenant.] This is the thirteenth time that the covenant is named in this chapter, saith an interpreter; and hereby is meant the promise of Christ and salvation by him. A subject so sweet to every sanctified soul, that St Paul cannot come off it. He names the Lord Jesus Christ ten times together in ten verses. It was to him Mel in ore, melos in aure, iubilum in corde . Bernard.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:21
Verse 21. My covenant will I establish with Isaac] All temporal good things are promised to Ishmael and his posterity, but the establishment of the Lord's covenant is to be with Isaac. Hence it is fully evident that this covenant referred chiefly to spiritual things-to the Messiah, and the salvation which should be brought to both Jews and Gentiles by his incarnation, death, and glorification.
Sermons on Genesis 17:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:15-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 4 and the story of Abraham. He highlights how Abraham believed in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, even though h |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:5-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He emphasizes that even though Abraham didn't have any children at the time, God |
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1 Kings 16-18 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab. He emphasizes the power of one person with God, using Elijah as an example. The preach |
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(Genesis) Genesis 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believers having two natures - an old nature and a new nature. He explains that before conversion, the old nature controls a p |
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(Genesis) Genesis 25:19-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rebecca and her struggle with barrenness. He highlights the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the spirit |
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(Through the Bible) Galatians 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being under the law and how it relates to our relationship with God. He explains that before Jesus came, humanity was in bondag |